As outlined in the Coalition Agreements, the Government is now proceeding to repeal the Therapeutic Products Act (2023) (the Act). On 8 May 2024 Associate Minister of Health, the Hon Casey Costello, announced that the Government will prepare a bill to repeal the Act. The bill will be introduced into Parliament and come into force before the end of 2024.
The current Medicines Act, 1981 is out of date and has not kept pace with significant technological changes in medicines, advanced therapies and medical devices. Alongside repealing the Therapeutic Products Act, the Government will develop new proposals for the modern, risk proportionate regulation for medicines, medical devices, and for natural health products. The Government will be listening to consumers, industry and practitioners on how future regulation can support them.
